Myself and my wife run a company called Etched Barrel. We use this company for my wife to do her consulting work, and to also sell our Word Clocks.
It makes sense then that we actually have at least one etched barrel for our company.
Continue reading Laser Etched Barrel Heads
One of my long term projects has been creating a factory themed board game based on things I have learned during my time working for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. After creating a first draft of the game, I discussed the game with my colleagues who thought this would be a great Christmas gift to give all 3000 F&P New Zealand employees.
Continue reading Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Board Game
Ventilation systems are a polarizing topic. Ask anyone with a small amount of knowledge and they will argue strongly in one direction or another.
Proposing can be a difficult for any man. Choosing a ring, finding the right time, having the confidence to know she’ll say yes. Coming up with a unique method of proposal is even harder.
Inspired by a friend who had done something similar (using GPS as opposed to RFID), I decided to create a puzzle box which required a number of contactless keys before it would open.
Four years after building version one of my Word Clock, it had started to die. This was not surprising as, the method I used to drive the LEDs required much higher current than the datasheet says is allowable.
I figured it was time to redesign, with a focus on manufacturability and reliability.
Continue reading World Clock V2
It’s hard to find an appropriate gift for someone who gives up so much of their time to prepare fortnightly game sessions including maps, plot-lines, characters, and villains; many of which go unseen.
So when our DM mentioned he wanted a screen, we jumped on the opportunity to make him one.
Personalised gifts are tough. Making something for yourself is one thing, but making something personalised for someone else requires it to not only not be tacky, but also be better than something purchased.
I had seen a few beer caddies online, in various shapes and sizes. Some designed solely for laser cutting, other requiring an entire woodworking workshop.
Needing a out-of-the-box birthday gift idea for my partner, I decided a hand crafted wine rack would be the perfect idea for a wine lover.
However, having never built anything from wood more complicated than a wooden pencil case in Intermediate Woodwork class, I was a bit out of my depth.
You would expect the Venn diagram of Pokémon and rock climbing to be mutually exclusive. (Except maybe for the six Pokémon that know the move Rock Climb).
Chalk bags are one the most basic of rock climbing tools, and as they provide no safety function, relatively easy to make yourself (providing the prerequisite sewing skills).
I’ve always been fascinated with Steampunk culture, but never had the opportunity to delve into it myself. That was until my work decided to theme the annual ball as Steampunk.
No. 8 Hacks 